SMOKED CORNISH GAME HENS

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For a luscious poultry treat, smoked Cornish game hens can't be beat. These little birds are richly flavored, juicy and smoke like a charm. In my opinion, a smoked game hen beats smoked chicken every time. To add flavor, the game hens are marinated in a basic brine containing apple juice, herbs and spices. Slow smoking with apple, cherry or peach wood gives these little birds a light smoky flavor. If you are a fan of smoked poultry, these smoked Cornish game hens will be something to cheer about. Juicy, tender and full of flavor, they will become an all time favorite.

Provided by Timothy H.

Categories     Poultry

Time 3h20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

three pints water
one pint apple juice
one-third cup canning salt
two tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon dill weed, dry
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 -6 Cornish hens

Steps:

  • Combine the brine ingredients and bring to a boil. Remove the brine from the heat and chill down to 36 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Prepare the game hens by cutting along each side of the backbone, removing it from the carcass. Push down on the breast to flatten, and then remove the ribs if you like.
  • Marinate the game hens in the fridge overnight. Remove the birds from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Smoke the Cornish game hens at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 hours, or until the thigh temperature reaches 175 degrees. Allow the birds to rest for half an hour after smoking before splitting through the breasts and serving.
  • Optionally, the game hens can be indirect grilled, or grilled over medium low heat 45 to 75 minutes, or until 175 degrees is reached.

Rita DiVenere
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These Cornish game hens were delicious! The meat was tender and juicy, and the skin was crispy and flavorful. I loved the smoky flavor from the smoked paprika.


Leelee Morroow
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit! The hens are always juicy and flavorful, and the smoked paprika gives them a lovely smoky flavor. I highly recommend this recipe!


Fatih Janan
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These hens were amazing! The meat was tender and juicy, and the skin was crispy and flavorful. I loved the smoky flavor from the smoked paprika. I will definitely be making this recipe again.


Ilyass Elouardi
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I'm not a big fan of Cornish game hens, but I tried this recipe and was pleasantly surprised! The hens were moist and flavorful, and the smoked paprika gave them a nice smoky flavor. I would definitely make this recipe again.


Ogo Precious
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These Cornish game hens were delicious! The meat was tender and juicy, and the skin was crispy and flavorful. I loved the smoky flavor from the smoked paprika.


Titus Reigns
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit! The hens are always juicy and flavorful, and the smoked paprika gives them a lovely smoky flavor. I highly recommend this recipe!


amber reddy
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These hens were so easy to make and they turned out so flavorful! I loved the crispy skin and the tender meat. I will definitely be making this recipe again.


Shahnaz Usman
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I made this recipe for a potluck and it was a hit! Everyone loved the tender hens and the smoky flavor. I'll definitely be making this dish again.


Shahbaz Nohri
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These Cornish game hens were delicious! I brined them overnight before smoking, and they were incredibly moist and flavorful. I will definitely be making this recipe again.


Karleigh Johnson
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I was a bit hesitant to try this recipe because I'm not a big fan of smoked paprika, but I'm so glad I did! The smokiness was subtle and really complemented the flavor of the hens.


Abdul Momin
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This recipe is a keeper! The hens were juicy and tender, and the marinade infused them with so much flavor. I especially loved the crispy skin.


Saiyara Oishi
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I've never cooked Cornish game hens before, but this recipe made it so easy! The hens turned out perfectly golden brown and cooked through evenly. My family loved them!


Angiethoe Skhosana
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These little Cornish game hens were a hit at our dinner party! They were incredibly moist and flavorful, and the smoked paprika gave them a lovely smoky flavor. I will definitely be making this dish again.


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